The NBA offseason delivered a major surprise with the Milwaukee Bucks` unexpected move to sign Myles Turner. To achieve this, they waived Damian Lillard. This decision, coming after a relatively quiet start to free agency, significantly impacts multiple teams and players involved. Let`s analyze who benefits and who loses from this surprising transaction.
Winner: Damian Lillard
Despite recent struggles and injury, Damian Lillard finds himself in a favorable position. Being waived allows him complete control over his next career move while still receiving his substantial salary from the Milwaukee Bucks. He is now a free agent, fully free to pick a team and timeline that maximizes his chances of winning a championship, without the financial pressure of needing a max contract. This unexpected freedom represents a positive turn for the veteran guard after challenging seasons in Milwaukee, offering a potential pathway to achieving his elusive first championship.
Loser: Tyrese Haliburton
The surprising loss of Myles Turner is a major blow for Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. Following Haliburton`s severe Achilles injury in the NBA Finals, the Pacers reportedly opted to avoid paying the luxury tax. This led to a reportedly low contract offer to Turner, which he declined in favor of Milwaukee`s significantly better deal. This decision, perceived as prioritizing cost-saving over team building, means Haliburton will return from a serious injury without a crucial teammate who provided unique skills on both ends. Furthermore, losing Turner to a division rival and receiving no assets in return highlights a potentially demotivating signal about the team`s commitment to spending for success, especially difficult for their franchise star during his recovery.
Winner: Milwaukee`s Short-Term Prospects
Myles Turner`s arrival significantly boosts Milwaukee`s immediate outlook. His unique combination of three-point shooting and rim protection is an ideal stylistic fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, addressing a critical need left by the aging Brook Lopez. This move, reportedly influenced by Antetokounmpo himself, likely eases concerns about his future with the team for now. By acquiring Turner without sacrificing major assets (beyond those used to clear space), the Bucks retain some flexibility to make further roster improvements needed to compete in the Eastern Conference. While challenges remain, Turner provides a crucial piece that revitalizes their short-term championship aspirations in what appears to be a more open conference field.
Loser: Milwaukee`s Long-Term Prospects
The trade-off for immediate improvement is substantial long-term risk for the Bucks. Waiving and stretching Damian Lillard incurs significant dead cap space for five years, potentially hindering future roster flexibility if the plan doesn`t yield immediate success. Giannis Antetokounmpo`s contract status means he can assess the team`s performance before becoming extension eligible next offseason, increasing pressure on Milwaukee to win now. Further asset depletion (like future first-round picks, such as their 2031 first-rounder) might be necessary to build a stronger contender around him, but trading those assets could severely damage the team`s ability to rebuild or compete after Antetokounmpo`s prime, putting them in a precarious long-term situation. This move also potentially benefits the Portland Trail Blazers, who hold valuable future draft picks from Milwaukee.
Winner: Deandre Ayton
Myles Turner`s move significantly benefits Deandre Ayton, who is currently a free agent and needed a prominent landing spot. With the Indiana Pacers suddenly needing a starting center to replace Turner, they emerge as a strong and financially capable suitor. Unlike the Los Angeles Lakers, who are reportedly constrained by cap space after other recent signings, the Pacers possess the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, allowing them to make a more substantial financial offer. Given the Pacers` history of pursuing Ayton and their tendency for longer contracts (compared to the Lakers` focus on preserving future cap space), Indiana presents a compelling option, giving Ayton increased leverage in his ongoing free agency negotiations.
Loser: Other Center-Needy Teams
The free agent market for centers has become even tighter with Indiana now actively seeking a starting big man following Turner`s departure. With few proven starters available (Deandre Ayton and Al Horford being the primary names left), teams like the Lakers, Celtics, and Warriors face significantly increased competition for limited resources. Indiana`s unexpected entry into this limited market drives up demand and potentially prices for the remaining quality big men, forcing teams to either potentially overpay for free agents or explore costly trade options. This sudden shift leaves several franchises struggling to fill a crucial roster spot as options quickly dwindle.
Jasper Hawthorne